Beef and Cheddar Ranch Pasta

Posted by by Sara 1 year Ago 159 Views

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking pasta)
  • Salt (for the pasta water)

For the Ranch Sauce:

  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (or 1/4 cup homemade ranch dressing mix)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or use milk for a lighter option)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Beef

  1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
  2. Season the beef: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef. Stir well to combine and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Ranch Sauce

  1. Combine ranch ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, milk, sour cream, and heavy cream over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add cheese: Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  3. Season the sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Beef with Sauce

  1. Mix everything: Add the cooked pasta and beef mixture to the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy ranch sauce.
  2. Stir well: Continue to cook over low heat for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Serve: Spoon the beef and cheddar ranch pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and extra shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.

Tips:

  • Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch sauce for some extra heat.
  • Use leftover beef: If you have leftover cooked beef (or even rotisserie chicken), this is a great way to use it up for a quicker meal.
  • Add veggies: Consider adding some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
  • For creamier sauce: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add more heavy cream or even a dollop of cream cheese.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 1/4 of the recipe):

  • Calories: 550-600 kcal
  • Protein: 30g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 900mg